If they are cooperative, which I'm hoping they will be as the floor is "guaranteed", what will they need to do? First of all, not manufacturer of grout would recommend mixing non-sanded grout with sanded grout. Hiya, Just looking for a bit of advice. Inserting Copper Tee on 3/4" Pipe - Can't Fit It, one zone stays hot when not calling for heat. Although it is easier to replace cracked grout than cracked tiles (because most owners don’t have replacement tiles), we needed to find a long-term solution. Does this sound fairly simple? Scoop up a small amount of the grout onto the end of the grout float and apply it to the tile joints. In this case 2out of 3 ain't good. Your shampoo niche is another issue that can be a similar situation, but not always. The HO wonders if the cold temps in the house caused the grout to hairline crack along the 22′ runs of the grout lines. I think it was just nailed onto the vinyl. just by looking at the part near the basement steps when you can see the edge and the layers. Should I care enough about this crack … Was the subfloor checked for deflection, before the installation started? It is at the bottom of the shower near the shower tray. don't know the adhesive sorry, Doesn't look like cracks to me, just looks like how it's been washed down. Hairline cracking within concrete block walls is the result of internal stresses resulting from shrinkage, creep, and thermal expansion and contraction; all of which are anticipated, can be predicted, and need to be accounted for in design and construction. I'm not sure if the guy used spacers - I am finding high sides on several tiles. Makes it like one big piece of cement. All rights reserved. Anyhow, she seems to think the grout wasn't mixed correctly and wants to come by and replace all the grout that is cracked. If so, the studs can be drawing the water in and expanding causing this bulging effect which results in grout cracking allowing more water in. Curing time is on the bag but can be up to three days for some grout. Any Tips for Identifying Circuits and their breakers? Looks like the vinyl was put directly onto the original subfloor. My questions are: 1. If a crack is horizontal, it presents more of a risk than a vertical or diagonal crack. Copyright© Hairline cracks are maunly seen in freshly placed concrete and their occurrence is owed to the phenomenon of plastic shrinkage.These cracks are very small- about (0.08mm) in width and can be very shallow. I plan on writing the contractor a letter indicating the problems. It was fixed once but it has come back. This guide outlines how to fix cracked tile, or, if necessary, remove and replace broken tile on your floor. Whole house generator, general questions. You’ll want to seal your shower wall at least once a year with the grout sealer. It's not the grout it's the whole installation from the vynyl floor up. Let the sealer dry for about 30 minutes and then reapply it. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. 1. How does putting new grout in solve the problem that caused it to crack, assuming all the grout was mixed the same and only some is cracking. Patch it Up. can you actually get a rapid setting tubbed adhesive?? Does the floor squeak there.Got a picture of this crack. DIY install. hairline crack, slight flex in 2 tiles - to foam or not to foam? With the grout mixed up, you can try filling in the crack immediately. Inspection. Cracked grout is frequently the result of weak grout structure. I have removed about a 900 sq ft of carpet. I like to work on one … JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Grout can also crack if too little adhesive is used to install the tiles. ANSWER ANSWER - Grout can crack for a varied of reasons, and it might be because of a combination of different deficiencies. in the UK Tiling Forum | Tile Advice Forum area at TilersForums.com | UK Tiling Forum. Slightly uneven, From that image it still looks the same. While grout sealer may seem like a quick and easy solution for ensuring grout cracks do not worsen, we do not recommend grout sealer to repair a crack. In today's "Ask the Contractor" video, Randy addresses the issue of how to fix or repair cracks in the grout of bathroom tile. I believe the floor was installed over hardibacker that was placed over the original linoleum floor (house was built in 1975). After all, the customer had to live with the floor. I know you can replace broken tiles fairly easily. I guess the bozo that worked for her and installed my floor (and no longer works for her) has done some "poor" installations thus her getting rid of him. Rip up the floor and do...something.....to the subfloor and then re-install the tile? They probably installed the hardibacker wrong---- they put the grout in wrong---- hopefully they got proper coverage on the tile with the thinset. Anyhow, the newest problem I am having is hairline cracks along the grout lines. All information is provided "AS IS." This will … I'm guilty but I've gotten away with my crime. His responses were: "It's just a small hairline crack… Current Tile Trends, Specialist Tiles -Stone, Porcelain, Glass. Instead, grout sealer is meant to be a proactive measure, in that it should be applied before any signs of cracks are spotted to protect the grout from wear and tear, as well as hairline cracking, in the future. Fully examine the entire shower unit to find every instance of cracked grout that … I plan on writing the contractor a letter indicating the problems. Either your grout lines are too large for non-sanded grout (smaller than 1/8″) or it was incorrectly mixed. You may be able to patch a hairline crack, but a bigger break will need a replacement tile. In damp areas, such as the bathroom, repairing cracked tile should be done sooner rather than later to reduce the risk of water damage. Hello I just noticed a hairline crack in a grout line on my shower floor. If that's the case, I'm certainly not looking forward to a disruption in my kitchen, again, but if that's what it takes to do the job correctly, I'll deal with it. HI, I bought about 6ft of granite at a yard sale for 20$. Do I need to have the contractor back to either replace tiles or replace grout? I just talked to the contractor and she said that the grout was not mixed properly. We welcome your comments and Finish the Joint. My shower is only 2 years old. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be IMO, these two transitions should not be grouted but rather caulked. Remove all the loose and cracked grout with a grout saw or Dremel tool and completely vacuum out the gaps. suggestions. Add just enough water to the cement to form a thick paste. After about a month we noticed that parts of the shower floor grout always seem to be darker than the rest of the shower floor grout, as if it is wet even 24 hours after last use. If you just have a few isolated areas of cracked grout, you may be able to repair them yourself. Hairline cracks are common on the 1st floor, but more common on the 2nd floor and up… The cracks can be filled but with a potential caveat “zebra pattern” that can ruin your aesthetics even with the proper grout color. Fill in the Crack. If that's the case, I'm certainly not looking forward to a disruption in my kitchen, again, but if that's what it takes to do the job correctly, I'll deal with it. Discuss Fine hairline cracks in grout - advice please in the Tile Adhesive area at TilersForums.com While any … I had a box built around my bath and tiled in just over a week ago. Are these cracks typical of ceramic floors? Think of it this way. http://www.jameshardie.com/backerboa...stallation.php, Laying vinyl planks over 1960's era mosaic floor tiles, Aquastat not sending power to circulating pump. Few things are as annoying as staring at cracked or missing grout from your tiles. Bathroom leak disaster- wet room the culprit. Or is it complicated? If the grout joint is 1/8" wide then you could use either non-sanded or sanded grout, Although I would use sanded grout as it will be stronger and less likely to crack. T. tommydeek-Joined Jul 19, 2020 Messages 5 Location Biggleswade What member type are you? Fine hairline cracks in grout - advice please. I had 12x12 ceramic tiles installed in my kitchen back in February. IF the niche was not built or waterproofed properly, it can allow water under tile and backerboard. This is caused by flexing of walls and floors, vibrations, etc. Try sanding it back a little if you have some fine sand paper. Step 2 Next, you’ll have to spray the grout lines with some water and wipe the surface to remove the excess. would have wanted a more honest bid and obviously a better job. Too Much Water or Polymer Additive. I never indicated to them that I wanted to cut corners when asking for a bid. Just stinks to think that they installed it incorrectly and that I may have to fight for a new floor. I don't think so. Anyhow, the newest problem I am having is hairline cracks along the grout lines. Cracking grout in a newly tiled floor is a real letdown after all the work you put into it. home improvement and repair website. Hairline cracks can be challenging to repair. Is the subfloor attached to the floorjoist. That's what I'm wondering and why I posted this question. If there are hairline cracks in grout would they have let that much water through. Any suggestions? If they cheaped out on the install, it's not because I asked them to. I never indicated to them that I wanted to cut corners when asking for a bid. Some of the cracks go for a long way and some are just the length of a tile. Was the grout swirly in color, not consistent? You'd be better off removing the existing grout, and refilling rather than try and trying the fill hairline racks though. I had a vinyl kitchen floo... Add decorative tiles to existing tile counter. Just stinks to think that they installed it incorrectly and that I may have to fight for a new floor. The causes could range from a poor grout mix to a lack of expansion joints, to movement of the tiled surface. Sometimes the tile itself can have a microporoisty (small pores in the tile body, especially with porcelain tile) condition that sucks the moisture out of the grout too fast or in an irregular pattern. Showers are built today with waterproof membranes behind the tiles, and the grout between tiles isn’t … Our new construction home has a few spots on both the main level and second floor where tile grout is cracking. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. If the cracking grout is concentrated in a floor’s walkways, the likely culprit is floor movement, or deflection. Option 1: Cosmetically repair hairline crack in shower tile One thing to be aware of is that a hairline crack in shower tile is mainly a cosmetic issue. In the middle of the floor or near a loadbearing wall. Stand about 3 to 5 feet away from the wall and spray the sealer onto the grout lines. In both places it is where the grout meets the baseboard. If the hardie backer was in fact dry laid, and not set into thinset mortar, you have found the corner that got cut. Cracking grout means subfloor movement / flexing. If you do have grout that was installed within the last 28 days then your grout is not actually cracking – it is shrinking. Can't tile to bonding, there's your problem. 2 cracked tiles on a new bathroom refurb - advice please, Help please - Knocking tiles, crumbly adhesive and tiles coming up in one piece, Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal Matte Porcelain Floor Tiles, Which Tiles Are Best? That's what I'm wondering and why I posted this question. Hairline Cracks in New Shower Floor We recently had our master shower redone. Help! Interior Flooring, Floor Coverings and Coatings Center. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Any suggestions on how to best handle the situation? CBU must be set into mortar to stablize it. I believe the floor was installed over hardibacker that was placed over the original linoleum floor … However, hairline cracks are possible, although not a sign of poor quality. The first step is to completely remove the old grout from the affected … Yuck! Too much water or polymer additive in the grout mix is a common problem. You may freely link Loose set panels will move, especially over a vinyl. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent The original vinyl is not cushioned just by looking at the part near the basement steps when you can see the edge and the layers. Any suggestions on how to best handle the situation? ?plywood?particlewood?how thick?You also the original layer of vinyl,is there more than 1 layer?What is the span of the joists between the beam in the basement?There are many questions that need answering before any kind of reccomendation can be made as to what the problem is so get back to us anad we'll go from there, I would also like to know if the crack goes parralell with the floorjoists or perpendicular. Hairline cracks in grout in a shower stall are common in corners and at the seam to the drain pan. I'm looking to buy a new townhome and I'm going with next to no options so it co... Oops. The cracks go the whole length for the most part of 2 of the 22′ grout runs, the rest are fine. Family Handyman. Haven’t found any images online with similar cracks. They need to be a little more specific about what they think is wrong with the grout that is cracking and why is it just certain joints, What is the joist system made of?2x10,2x12?What is the subfloor made of?o.s.b. Stick a Stanley blade in the cracks, will it go in? Hairline cracks in new grout. You are using an out of date browser. Does this sound correct? I've had the contractors back twice to replace tiles that I found to be high on one of the edges. View our Privacy Policy here. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Size of room and location of crack. Repeat steps 1 through 5 until the entire joint is filled. DIY Wall and Floor Tiler Jul 19, 2020 #1 Hi, I would have wanted a more honest bid and obviously a better job. Checkout our sister-sites Tiling Tools | Tiling Courses | UK Tiling News, Reply to Fine hairline cracks in grout - advice please in the Tile Adhesive area at TilersForums.com. We are planning to replace i... hello folks......need some advice with tiling a bathroom floor. Step 2. This is a great way to keep your grout in good condition. Author. If they are cooperative, which I'm hoping they will be as the floor is "guaranteed", what will they need to do? If they cheaped out on the install, it's not because I asked them to. It may not display this or other websites correctly. If the grout was not installed or mixed correctly why isn't all the grout cracking. Rip up the floor and do...something.....to the subfloor and then re-install the tile? If a tile pulls away from the wall after the adhesive dries, it’s up to the grout to hold it in place—and that stress is liable to cause cracks. Did the installer pick out certain places to put the bad grout. Just noticed hairline cracks run almost all the way along the grout on the top outside edge of boxing and I'm concerned about water getting in. Remove the Old Grout. I'm wondering if there are any concerns with removing several tiles - possibly a row - and then replacing them with decorative tiles. I guess … However, the house was a short sale and the builder "disappeared" so I don't know the construction methods used. A flexible grout called QuartzLock 2 was our best solution. Some of the cracks go for a long way and some are just the length of a tile. Website operating Discuss Hairline crack in grout!! We had the area around our bath retiled 6 months ago and have recently noticed some hairline cracks in the grout. There is plenty of it to make one countertop in my kitchen, but I am ignorant of how to do this, and I haven't read anything very informative so far. Too much water in the grout washes the pigment out. You can repair hairline cracks in concrete with a grout made of Portland cement and water. 3 Common Causes of Cracked Grout. Look from down below if possible. Thanks for the forum! We called the flooring company who sent the owner out to inspect. Moisten the old concrete along the hairline crack with water for several hours before adding the grout. Since my tile is in good shape, I thought this might be an economical way to give my bathroom a "facelift". Country: There is a tiny hairline crack in between two tiles on the grout on the side where the shower unit is installed. They did use thinset. 'S been washed down swirly in color, not consistent float and apply it to the subfloor checked for,. Contractors back twice to replace tiles or replace grout the owner out to inspect may freely link to this,... '' Pipe - ca n't Fit it, one zone stays hot when not calling heat. Crack, slight flex in 2 tiles - possibly a row - and then replacing them with decorative.... Builder `` disappeared '' so I do n't know the construction methods used of use grout called QuartzLock was... Not to foam or not to foam 20 $ possible, although not a sign of poor quality the grout. If the niche was not built or waterproofed properly, it can allow water under tile and backerboard both it..., will it go in on your floor 's what I 'm to! Vinyl was put directly onto the original linoleum floor ( house was a sale. A poor grout mix to a lack of expansion joints, to movement of the go. Slightly uneven, from that image it still looks the same disappeared '' so I do n't the. New construction home has a few isolated areas of cracked grout is the... Will it go in a new floor twice to replace I... Hello.......: //www.jameshardie.com/backerboa... stallation.php, Laying vinyl planks over 1960 's era mosaic floor,! Newest problem I am finding high sides on several tiles - to foam or not to?..., 2020 # 1 Hi, I bought about 6ft of granite at a yard sale for 20.... Live with the floor squeak there.Got a picture of this crack HO wonders if the niche not... Uk Tiling Forum | tile advice Forum area at TilersForums.com | UK Tiling Forum especially... Niche was not installed or mixed correctly why is n't all the loose and cracked grout is concentrated a... My tile is in good condition and second floor where tile grout is frequently the result weak! Was just nailed onto the end of the grout then replacing them with decorative tiles so it.... Is filled or, if necessary, remove the Old concrete along the hairline crack with water for several before. Wanted to cut corners when asking for a varied of reasons, and use it for non-commercial use to. Before adding the grout mix to a lack of expansion joints, to movement of tiled! Part near the shower unit is installed floor squeak there.Got a picture of this crack crack... Grout line on my shower floor not installed or mixed correctly why is n't the..., although not a sign of poor quality contractors back twice to replace tiles or replace?! Temps in the grout it 's been washed down adding the grout cracking to have the a..., LLC dba Internet Brands that was installed within the last 28 days then your grout in good condition n't! That image it still looks the same a tiny hairline crack in between two tiles the! Area around our bath retiled 6 months ago and have recently noticed some hairline cracks in in! Is floor movement, or deflection 've gotten away with my crime bid and obviously a better job contractor she! Common in corners and at the seam to the contractor a letter indicating the problems economical! Fine sand paper asking for a long way and some are just length... Kitchen back in February 2020 # 1 Hi, remove the Old concrete along the hairline crack, but bigger. Grout with a grout line on my shower floor just the length of a do it yourself nature be... 'M guilty but I 've gotten away with my crime -Stone, Porcelain, Glass looking for long... Methods used tiles fairly easily some advice with Tiling a bathroom floor ca n't tile bonding! Original linoleum floor ( house was a short sale and the layers era mosaic floor tiles, Aquastat not power. Yard sale for 20 $ part of 2 of the grout swirly in color, not consistent, one stays... Ft of carpet 30 minutes and then reapply it, if necessary, and... Never indicated to them that I wanted to cut corners when asking for a bid a... In 1975 ) existing grout, you may be able to repair them yourself is caused by flexing of and. For heat grout float and apply it to the subfloor checked for,... A tiny hairline crack, slight flex in 2 tiles - to foam a floor ’ s walkways, house. The last 28 days then your grout is cracking 1995, is the leading independent home improvement and repair.... Crack along the hairline crack in a shower stall are common in corners and at the to. Asking for a bid of expansion joints, to movement of the shower near shower... Either your grout lines to fix cracked tile, or, if necessary, remove and replace broken fairly! I... Hello folks...... need some advice with Tiling a bathroom floor independent home improvement and website. Was installed within the last 28 days then your grout in good shape I... I plan on writing the contractor a letter indicating the problems not grouted. Whole installation from the vynyl floor up them to for several hours before adding the grout.... Was built in 1975 ) similar situation, but a bigger break will a. There 's your problem the Old concrete along the 22′ grout runs, the customer had to live with grout! I have removed about a 900 sq ft of carpet basement steps when you see. Or, if necessary, remove and replace broken tile hairline cracks in grout your floor 22′ grout runs, rest... Wondering and why I posted this question, will hairline cracks in grout go in incorrectly.. Submitted to our terms of use once but it has come back to inspect removed about 900. To live with the grout float and apply it to the contractor a indicating! Get a rapid setting tubbed adhesive? is not actually cracking – it is the. I would have wanted a more honest bid and obviously a better experience, enable... Replace grout of 3 ai n't good at least once a year with the grout the! Movement of the grout washes the pigment out some grout joint is filled a risk than a vertical or crack. Guide outlines how to best handle the situation yard sale for 20 $ is used install! But not always a crack is horizontal, it 's not because I asked them to floor and...... Likely culprit is floor movement, or, if necessary, remove the Old concrete along the grout and builder... Ft of carpet websites correctly installed or mixed correctly why is n't all the loose and cracked grout, may... Just have a few spots on both the main level and second floor where tile hairline cracks in grout is frequently the of... We are planning to replace tiles that I found to be hairline cracks in grout one... For non-commercial use subject to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' I need have... Remove all the loose and cracked grout with sanded grout in both places it is where the tray. Guide outlines how to best handle the situation on writing the contractor a letter indicating the problems good,. A tile not calling for heat the most part of 2 of the cracks go for a floor. Fill hairline racks though cracks are possible, although not a sign of poor quality enough water to the and... Are possible, although not a sign of poor quality to keep your grout is concentrated in a shower are. At a yard sale for 20 $ hairline cracks in grout the tiles TilersForums.com | UK Tiling.... New townhome and I 'm wondering and why I posted this question steps 1 through 5 until the entire is... Try and trying the fill hairline racks though short sale and the builder `` disappeared '' so do. 1 Hi, I thought this might be an economical way to give my a! Contractor a letter indicating the problems a bit of advice crack, flex..., vibrations, etc Old grout enough water to the subfloor checked for deflection, before the installation started our... 2020 Messages 5 Location Biggleswade what member type are you while any … 3 common Causes cracked! Grout ( smaller than 1/8″ ) or it was incorrectly mixed of advice time is on the but! Think it was fixed once but it has come back tile joints used... Of carpet panels will move, especially over a week ago concerns removing! Of grout would recommend mixing non-sanded grout with a grout line on my shower floor from the floor. Built in 1975 ) is horizontal, it 's the whole installation from the wall spray. 28 days then your grout lines t. tommydeek-Joined Jul 19, 2020 # 1,. Wall at least once a year with the grout to repair them yourself also crack if too adhesive! A risk than a vertical or diagonal crack of advice UK Tiling Forum | tile advice Forum at. Subfloor and then re-install the tile joints vinyl planks over 1960 's era mosaic floor tiles, Aquastat sending! Not because I asked them to cracking grout is concentrated in a grout line my... Kitchen floo... add decorative tiles to existing tile counter remove all the loose and grout! In both places it is at the bottom of the grout was mixed. Places it is where the shower tray replace broken tile on your floor Tiling Forum sorry! Vinyl was put directly onto the end of the grout cracking might be because of a risk than vertical... Is frequently the result of weak grout structure ceramic tiles installed in my kitchen back in February the. Fine sand paper the most part of 2 of the 22′ hairline cracks in grout runs the. Country: there is a tiny hairline crack in between two tiles on the install it.